Our Process

Quality custom homes begin with quality processes

Over the course of three decades, more than 1,200 homebuyers just like you have enjoyed the relationship that develops when Divco Custom Homes is selected as the custom home builder of choice.

As someone who does their homework, you have invested a considerable amount of time and effort regarding all aspects of building your Florida custom home.

Whether you prefer a home on the water, in a golf course community, or on a country estate, Divco Custom Homes promises to provide clear direction and open, two-way communication wrapped within superb workmanship. Collectively representing over 90 years of experience in 60+ communities, our team will work diligently to create a top-quality home for your top-quality life.

While every custom home building story is unique, our customers agree that these nine elements are consistent when walking the home building journey with Divco from start to finish:

Stage 1: Choose your homesite

You have heard it before because it is true: your home’s location matters a great deal. Before construction begins, be sure to align your priorities and develop a clear path — be it the beach, boating, the arts, golf or some other interest that is important to you, as you’ll want to narrow your homesite selection.

One way of accomplishing this is to talk directly to the people at one of the Divco Custom Homes Model Centers. With over 40 years in the marketplace, a Divco New Home Sales Consultant can help you research the area’s many different communities and neighborhoods in which Divco has a presence.

Talk to trusted friends that have visited or moved to the area or engage a licensed Realtor® to assist you in finding a homesite for your new home, be it a vacant site or one that requires the removal of an existing home.

Sales staff members located within a particular gated community can provide necessary information specific to the community you are visiting.

Stage 2: Set your expectations

Take enjoyment in the development of your new home: engage in open communication and revel in the experience of having your new residence designed and constructed by the competent team of experienced professionals at Divco Custom Homes. We’ll listen to what you have to say and ask the right questions to foster a strong relationship based upon trust, respect and competence.

Divco Custom Homes’ furnished models provide an excellent opportunity for homebuyers to see, touch and feel our quality workmanship. In addition to our furnished models, many of our former customers will gladly open their homes for your inspection. Please contact us to request a tour of furnished models and/or completed homes in the area.

Developing a realistic budget that meets your needs is an important component of the Divco Design/Build process. Our professional advice and guidance, based on more than 40 years of experience in the market, will prove invaluable to you.

Do you desire a one-of-a-kind custom home? Great. That’s our specialty and many of our customers choose this approach. Divco Custom Homes offers experienced management in new home development, whether the custom design work is performed internally by us, or by one of the many local architects or residential designers that Divco has worked with over the years. Employing a capable team from the onset ensures greater success of the project.

Stage 3: Establish the finishes

Our extensive Design/Build experience has enabled us to develop a customer-centric process that helps you visualize your proposed home and brings your desired finish levels to life.

Divco’s Design Studio was specifically created with you, the homeowner, in mind. In our studio, you will set desired standards for your home and then, in turn, choose the actual finishes. We’ve developed a four-phase selection process, guided by our Design Consultant, that enables our customers to become familiar with the various materials available. Divco’s guidance and hands-on demonstration in our Design Studio helps homeowners achieve their desired goals, both aesthetically and financially.

Stage 4: Conceptual design/working drawings

Divco’s Design/Build team capabilities enable us to develop conceptual designs (or complete working drawings) prior to entering into a Divco construction agreement with a homebuyer. Using the information gathered from previous meetings and discussions, we then develop a home design that matches your vision. Our team is quite comfortable with any of the following scenarios:

Scenario #1: When a homebuyer wants to modify one of the Divco Collection floor plans: Existing designs can be easily transformed through the Divco design CAD department. Personalizing the home can be done expeditiously and with careful consideration of the home’s price. The homebuyer bears no financial expense in this process.
Scenario #2: When a homebuyer wants to create their own custom design from the ground up: Our Design/Build approach means that we can manage and prepare construction working drawings for 100% custom private residences, even when your ideas are substantially complex. The financial commitment to the homebuyer varies depending on the scope and scale of the desired new home. A private meeting to discuss the building experience and process is a simple phone call away at (239) 592-7222.
Scenario #3: When a homebuyer has already purchased house plans from a third party: Occasionally, a homebuyer has taken on the task of having a custom home designed by a professional architect or residential designer and is seeking a construction price for the already-designed home. From the existing plans, Divco will prepare detailed specifications based upon the owner’s standards, or the standards available to us. Together, the homeowner and the Divco team will come to an agreement for the construction of the home.

Stage 5: The construction agreement

The Divco construction agreement is the culmination of all agreed-upon construction documents that describe the work to be performed by Divco’s team of professionals, such as plans and specifications with established standards and the homeowner’s homesite selection. Together, these documents enable the process to advance to the construction phase.

Once the agreement is executed and while Divco is preparing the required engineering and other ancillary requirements for permitting, the homeowner will schedule several meetings with the Divco Color Selection Consultant in our Design Studio conveniently located on the 2nd floor of our corporate office. During the period of time between signing the agreement and the commencement of construction, Divco Custom Homes will prepare the various submittals required for community approvals and/or permitting.

Stage 6: Select the finishes with the designer

During our simplified four-phase selection process, you will receive professional guidance from our Divco Color Selection Consultant, while viewing many visual aids in our onsite Design Studio. This process will ultimately culminate in a digital color book that represents the selections you have made. If, in the event a particular color selection or product is not available in the Design Studio, Divco’s specialty vendors have exceptional showrooms and are available by appointment to assist customers.

If, during the selection process, a homeowner selects a product of a different standard level than what is in the Divco construction agreement, or if there is a request for a plan modification, pricing of the new selection or plan modification will be presented to the homeowner for approval prior. The goal is to have all of the color selections and plan modifications accomplished and approved by the time the home’s slab is poured.

Stage 7: Watch your home become a reality

We are about to transform a visionary idea into reality; the culmination of your thoughts and desires is about to take form as a fully personalized custom residence. The Divco team will be available to guide you throughout this journey.

Because you selected your finishes early in the process, you will be able to better enjoy the experience, knowing that critical decisions have already been made and that Divco Custom Homes can properly schedule and execute the construction of your home.

Well in advance of the commencement of construction, you meet the entire Divco team who will be active throughout the construction process. Open access to all of our Design/Build professionals in their respective disciplines is one of the important attributes that separates Divco Custom Homes from other builders.

Stage 8: Close communication with field management

There will be fresh ideas, questions, curiosity (and even concern) from time to time, which is normal. Complete and open communication from our administrative staff, customer liaisons, field management and onsite management teams is available at all times to assist, clarify and resolve matters that impact your new home. Never hesitate to reach out to us at (239) 592-7222.

Stage 9: Make your grand entrance

It started with an idea and a vision. It led to a decision on where to build your home — an affirmation of your lifestyle. The vision then became a Florida home, at least on paper and the journey began. With Divco at your side at every step of the way, your dream home is now a reality. It is distinctly yours. You have arrived at the much-anticipated final stop in your Divco customer journey. Welcome home!